16 February 2012

As I spoke to her before the operation to get informed consent, the patient ran her fingers across her short hair, only now starting to grow back after her having completed her chemotherapy a few weeks ago. As I've found with many women whose hair is just starting to reappear, like the soft coat of a short-haired puppy, she looked good--better than I remembered her with hair. Indeed, it never ceases to amaze me how many women can look so good at this point in their course, where they have what looks like a Marine-style buzzcut. Maybe it's just me, or maybe it's because women who reach this stage almost invariably seem so full of life; they've faced down death and their worst fears, and come out intact, if not unscathed. And this time, the patient was elated at having this procedure. Indeed, she was practically giddy, happier than I had ever seen her. She had a glow that, if I believed in Reiki, might have interpreted as a her life energy becoming visible. I knew why she was so happy.I was going to remove her port.

It happens to be relevant because Liza got her port removed today!

And Orac was, of course, correct, in that it is a huge milestone. It officially marks the day when her primary breast cancer treatment ends and she enters the "No Evidence of Disease" monitoring stage. Which, as we have reason to hope, will transition to the "cured" stage soon enough.

Well, I'd blog more but we are putting together a party to celebrate — and to thank all the members of our community and family who helped us over the last 14 months, so I have some work to do!

Gotta say first, I realize YOU probably feels like it's been five years but I had JUST started reading your blog prior to you disclosing her diagnosis and I can't believe it's been 14 months!! I am so totally CLAPPING WILDLY for you guys! Awesome stuff! YAY!!!!!!

I'm new to your blog, but this post hit home for me. I just had my port removed two weeks ago after finishing chemo on May 19th, 2011, and my hair is a little more than puppy coat length. I've battled Large B-cell lymphoma for two years, first treated it with radiation and after a relapse, with chemo. When my oncologist told me in December that I could take out the port any time I was ready, I was ready, and felt that he had faith that my cancer was finally gone. It warmed my heart to see a doctor post something about this topic.

Shadowfax

About me: I am an ER physician and administrator living in the Pacific Northwest. I live with my wife and four kids. Various other interests include Shorin-ryu karate, general aviation, Irish music, Apple computers, and progressive politics. My kids do their best to ensure that I have little time to pursue these hobbies.

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